A Sane Economy

What has economics got to do with theology?

Ever since 2008 the world has found itself teetering on the brink of recession. At the same time, evidence that the present century will witness climate change of catastrophic proportions, partly due to human activity, resulting in the death or displacement of millions seems increasingly undeniable. Clear and profound thinking is urgently required in order to understand our situation and to find a way forward without compromising fundamental moral principles.

For hundreds of years, and especially since the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Church has sought to guide Christians towards fairness and prosperity in human labour and the economy. During the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, environmental concerns also came increasingly to the fore in Catholic teaching. On these pages, we explore the principles of Catholic social doctrine, their possible applications, and the new paradigms they might inspire, with the help of a distinguished group of writers and commentators.

We don't believe that human beings can be understood without reference to the supernatural. Economics and politics have a theological dimension, because we do.